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How to Use Ligustrum for Bow Wood

Primarily found in Florida, ligustrum is frequently found as a shrub or hedge; however, if allowed, they can quickly grow into a large tree with branches perfect for bows. Some varieties will even grow to 30 or 40 feet tall.

When making a bow from ligustrum, locating a ligustrum branch that is as straight as possible is essential. The branch should also be at least 1 inch thick in diameter in the middle and ¾ inch in diameter at the ends. The branch should have as few knobs and twigs as possible.

Things You'll Need

Ligustrum tree branch
Knife
Sandpaper
Bowstring, about 40 inches long or 8 inches shorter than the ligustrum branch

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a ligustrum branch that is about 48 inches long, though a branch up to 60 inches long will work. A 48-inch branch will make a bow that is easier to use; however, 60-inch-long bows are perfectly serviceable. Hold each end of the branch in your hands and step on the branch's middle with your foot. If the branch cracks or breaks, find another ligustrum branch that is slightly flexible.
- 2
  Remove the ligustrum branch's bark with your hands. Use the knife to assist with bark removal, if necessary.
- 3
  Sand the ligustrum branch with sandpaper. Make the branch as smooth as possible, paying particular attention to knobs in the wood, areas where twigs had to be removed and the branch's ends.
- 4
  Whittle a groove on each of the branch's tips about 1 inch from the ends, creating a notch about ¼ inch deep. This is the area where you will attach the bowstring.
- 5
  Attach the bowstring. Tie one end of the bowstring around one of the notches. Tie a slipknot in the other end of the bowstring. Brace the end of the ligustrum branch that has the bowstring tied to it against the ground. Gently bend the ligustrum branch in the middle. Slide the slipknot over the top end of the ligustrum branch, adjusting the bowstring slipknot until it inserts into the whittled notch.

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